Thursday, January 29, 2015

William Won Something

In the drama of injuring myself and laughing about it for a few days, now wallowing in the painful bed I made myself, I forgot to blog about the awards banquet my man and I attended on Saturday night. It was the annual National Capitol Horse Trials Association awards dinner and ceremony. The NCHTA is an association who offers series of awards for events in the Eastern Ontario and Quebec region. Since eventing is relatively small on this side of the province, they are making an effort to expand interest and reward those who are out competing and might not be able to make it to the events on the other side of the province. They do an excellent job. I try to go every year to support but I didn't make it last year. This year I was definitely going because William won an award! Although we only completed two events in this region (3 total in Ontario), we placed 1st and 2nd in a large classes so we had enough points to tie us for second place in the Pre Entry Open division. I won a nice plaque with our names and winning on it - except they mistakenly ordered mine showing Third place (which they emailed me about prior) so I left it with them to have corrected and mailed out to me. This might seem like peanuts to some riders but this is a huge deal to me and William. Three years ago when I took him home I wasn't sure if I would even be able to take this horse out and ride him. For two years I really questioned my skill and sanity in whether this horse would ever amount to anything. I wrote his "giveaway" ad in my head more times than I can count. He was barely touchable without jumping out of skin. He wouldn't get on a trailer and once on wouldn't stay in. You couldn't get him to even move under saddle and when he did he spent the entire time trying to buck you off. We made progress and then we took 5 steps back, several times. Through those years though, I never gave up. I don't know why. I probably should have. When I dreaded getting on him, I pushed myself through it. When I was terrified to trailer him, I trailered him every few days with help to get through it. When I hit the dirt, I got back on, every time and rode him until my nerves were gone. I don't know what it is, but I love this horse so much. His deep red face and his kind personality kept drawing me back to him. Not letting me quit. There is something about William that I just can't explain. He is a special soul and I am so glad I never gave up through these last few years, although they were tough. This award is not for me, but for William. He is worth all the hard work, and now he has truly earned his place here on the farm. So congrats to William, and here's to many more in our future!

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm currently struggling with my mare - who I love - because she can be so unruly and because she often doesn't have any forward. Your experience is inspiring to me!

Congrats! Hearing what you've been through with William, and how well you've progressed, give me hope and encouragement to persevere with Gracie! She's not quite the challenge he has been, but I'm not quite the rider you are, either, haha...so maybe it sort of balances out. :-D

Future in Horse Catalog modelling? It's no secret, I LOVE Horseware Ireland . Growing up with a high withered blanket destructor ...

About Boss Mare

This blog is about my life, a 30something yr old; working in the city, balancing her career, passion for horses, dogs, and the life they deserve. Following my dreams, and getting there takes a lot of patience and a sense of humour. This is my take on life, and the amazing and stupid things in it.